FESTIVESHOWSTOSEE

PANTOMIME: Buttons: A Cinderella Story

Kings Head Theatre, Islington, 23 Nobember - 5 January 2019

Charles Court Opera return for their twelfth dazzling, delightful and downright hilarious boutique pantomime. This year, they’ve turned one of the best loved fairytales of all time upside down and sprinkled it with an extra special helping of CCO mischief in their brand new production of Buttons!

Taking place in a Staten Island apartment over the Christmas holiday season, this hilarious comedy gives a fly -on-the-wall perspective when four friends and a mystery visitor find themselves in just one apartment.

Hotly tipped for the top band of 1964 the “The Plaids” were on their way to the biggest gig of their careers. Sadly when their car collided with a school bus, the passengers of the bus survived, sadly the Plaids did not. Fast forward to a chilly Winter evening, where through a disturbance in the cosmos the Plaids are sent back on Earth on a mission, to perform the ultimate TV Christmas Special.

“Christmas is a right frightening bastard. If you can survive it in here then there’s hope”. In a secure hospital for the ‘criminally insane’, three women prepare for the Christmas disco and ask: ‘in such a topsy-turvy world, who are you to say that I’m insane?’ An irreverent dark comedy from one of the most important feminist voices of her generation.

It is 1936 in a “wee one-eyed” town in Scotland. Jeannie is a drudge for her mean controlling father, but dreams of a different life. When she receives a large inheritance, she seizes the opportunity of European travel. She encounters Stanley from Yorkshire, and then a real Viennese Count. But Jeannie is no pushover. She knows her own mind. A 1930s version of the Cinderella story, Jeannie is a charming light romantic comedy, ideal for the Christmas season, and unseen in London since 1940.

On Christmas Eve the toymaker Drosselmeier gives Marie and Fritz a traditional nutcracker in the shape of a soldier. Captivated by thE wooden figure, Marie stays up extra late. As the clock strikes midnight the Mouse King appears andchallenges brave Nutcracker to a fearsome battle. And then the most magical story begins to unfold… A retelling of Hoffman’s classic Christmas tale for children aged 4+, their friends and families. Jellyfish Theatre Company's new show is funny, accessible and inspiring. (But NOT a ballet!)

After the success of BEANS and Aladdin Me we are back and dirtier than ever! Expect ‘ball’ gags aplenty with this saucy twist on a classic tale. Ella swipes right and goes on a date with her ‘Prince’... Roger.... to Nando’s. Oh and move over Fairy Godmother... the rapping Fairy Matchmaker is here and she’s bringing an aubergine along for the ride! The clock is ticking.. book your tickets to this proper modern, proper London and proper Ballsy panto today!

It's Christmas in Billericay. The boys are back from uni, Mum's been on the wine and Dad's dozing off when there's a knock at the door... This is a very untraditional EsseXmas story. Written by Timothy Blore and directed by Offie and Broadway World nominated Scott Le Crass, this festive comedy is guaranteed to put you in the holiday spirit. (Although it might be slightly more raucous than your average Nativity play).

The Parentheticals are bringing their improvised fantasy quests back to Etcetera Theatre! What do The Parentheticals want for Christmas? That’s up to YOU! Your suggestions inspire the festive tale and help our heroes along the way. Shout out locations, write down advice, and move players around the stage. Whatever happens, the adventure will be epic - and completely made up on the spot.

Ella lives in the forest with her loving and devoted father. When her father remarries, Ella is soon at the mercy of her cruel and scheming new relations. A chance encounter leads to an invitation to a ball and a hilarious and heart-warming reversal of fortunes begins, with surprising twists along the way. Join us at the Jack this Christmas for a thrilling and imaginative retelling of the Brothers Grimm version of the story, in a dazzlingly original take on one of the best-known fairy tales of all time.

OVATION presents the UK premiere of this fabulous Broadway musical. Winner of two Tony Awards and three Drama Desk Awards, this screwball comedy pokes fun at the Prohibition era in a clash of elegant socialites and ridiculously incompetent bootleggers, all set to the glorious songs of George and Ira Gershwin. Book by Joe DiPietro. Inspired by material by Guy Bolton and P. G. Wodehouse

It's Christmas in Billericay. The boys are back from uni, Mum's been on the wine and Dad's dozing off when there's a knock at the door... This is a very untraditional EsseXmas story. Written by Timothy Blore and directed by Offie and Broadway World nominated Scott Le Crass, this festive comedy is guaranteed to put you in the holiday spirit. (Although it might be slightly more raucous than your average Nativity play).

Former 80s game show host and F-list pop star Clint invites you to step into his hypothetical Christmas No. 1 Hit, but this is not a 1980s tribute show – far from it. After the raging success of ‘i’ – The Opera, Waste Paper Opera now bring you an interdisciplinary theatre project like no other that combines pop music, new music composition, opera, clowning, mime, improvisation and Christmas games where you can win ridiculous prizes. Our hilarious, moving and highly experimental tale will be everything you could wish for this Christmas (probably)